How to Host a School Author Visit

January 19, 2026

Inviting an author to visit your school can inspire students and create lasting memories. Planning a successful author visit involves careful coordination and communication. Here are some steps to ensure your event runs smoothly.

1. Schedule Early: Reach out to the author or their representative well in advance. Discuss possible dates, times and the length of the visit. Authors often have busy schedules, so offering multiple options increases your chances of securing a visit.

2. Plan the Agenda: Decide what activities will take place during the visit. Will there be a reading, a writing workshop or a question‑and‑answer session? Share your goals with the author so they can prepare materials that fit your needs. It’s also helpful to inform the author about the age group and the number of students.

3. Prepare Students: Before the visit, introduce students to the author’s work. Read one of their books aloud and encourage students to think of questions. This builds excitement and helps students engage more deeply with the author during the visit.

4. Coordinate Logistics: Arrange seating, sound equipment and any visual aids. Assign a staff member to welcome the author and guide them through the schedule. Make sure there is time for book signing if you plan to sell or distribute books.

5. Follow Up: After the visit, thank the author and gather feedback from students and teachers. Reflect on what went well and what could be improved for future events. Consider writing a thank‑you note or sending drawings created by students.

An author visit can enhance your literacy program and inspire young writers. With careful planning and clear communication, your event will be both enjoyable and meaningful.